Device for rechargeable electrical apparatus retainer unit

ABSTRACT

A rechargeable electrical apparatus retainer unit for use with a conventional wall outlet including at least one plug socket and a faceplate. The retainer has protrusions for storing the apparatus excess extension cord from a plug inserted into the at least one plug socket. The retainer portion has a rear wall, a bottom wall and a front wall. The rear wall is fixedly attached to the bottom wall and extends below the bottom wall to effectuate engagement behind a portion of the outlet. The protrusions extend forward from or to the side of the rear wall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a retainer unit for use in retaining rechargeable electrical apparatus while the apparatus is being charged and after charging is completed.

The present invention relates generally to an electrical equipment retainer unit and, more particularly to retainer unit held in place by a coverplate for a wall mounted electrical outlet boxes.

Electrical boxes are well-known in residential and commercial settings and are commonly used as a mounting structure for installing an electrical device, such as a multi-outlet receptacle, a switch or a fixture, into a covering, such as a wall or panel as a connection point for connecting the electrical device to electrical wires coupled to a main power source.

Electrical boxes typically include a back panel and one or more side panels which project out perpendicularly from the back panel. The back panel and the side panels together define an interior cavity into which the electrical wiring that is connected to the main power source is disposed. Each of the side panels includes a free front edge, which together define an open front end providing access into the interior cavity of the electrical box.

With an electrical box installed into a wall or panel, the electrical connection to the desired electrical device, such as a dual outlet electrical receptacle, is made to the wires disposed within the electrical box, thereby connecting the electrical device to the main power source.

A conventional electrical device, such as a multi-outlet receptacle or a switch, is considerably smaller in size than the open front end of the electrical box in which it is mounted. As a result, a portion of the open front end of the electrical box remains open, providing access into the interior cavity of the electrical box.

A faceplate is normally disposed over the open front end of the electrical box to protect the electrical wires within the interior cavity of the electrical box.

A faceplate, also commonly referred to as a cover plate, wall plate or switch plate, is typically constructed as a flat, rectangular plastic plate which is shaped to include one or more openings through which a portion of the electrical device can protrude to provide the user with a means for accessing the electrical device. A faceplate is traditionally secured directly onto the electrical device by one or more screws.

Portable electronic appliances, such as cellular telephones, shavers, flashlights, personal data assistants (PDAs), tape recorders and the like, are well-known in the art and typically derive power from one or more batteries which are electrically connected to the internal circuitry of the device. Battery operated portable appliances of this type are usually provided with a recharging circuit which enables the batteries to be recharged rather than periodically replaced, these types of appliances being commonly referred to as rechargeable portable electronic appliances.

Rechargeable portable electronic appliances typically include a connector which is integrated into its housing and which is electrically connected to the recharging circuit. A recharging cord is typically provided for recharging the appliance, the first end of the cord including a connector, which is adapted to releasably electrically connect with the connector on the appliance, and the second end of the cord, including a conventional plug, which is adapted to electrically connect with the two or three prong outlet of a standard electrical receptacle. A rechargeable appliance typically operates in either a passive mode (i.e., when the appliance is being recharged) or an active mode (i.e., when the appliance is being used in its intended function).

While a rechargeable portable electronic appliance is in its recharging mode, the user typically places the appliance on a flat surface in close proximity to the outlet, such as a nearby counter top or table. However, when placed on such a surface, the device is often left exposed and unprotected from many dangerous conditions. For example, consumers often place a recharging electronic appliance on a counter top in close proximity to a sink or other similar place where standing water is commonplace, or where it can easily be dislodged, fall to the floor, and be damaged. If the appliance, while recharging, is exposed to certain conditions, the device can become damaged and/or cause serious bodily injury, which is highly undesirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel storage device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel storage device which is adapted to retain a portable electronic appliance.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a storage device as described above which has a limited number of parts, is inexpensive to manufacture and which is easy to use.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a storage device as described above which retains a portable electronic appliance in close proximity to the faceplate for an electronic device, such as a dual outlet receptacle.

Accordingly, there is provided a faceplate and a storage device attachable to or held in place by the faceplate, said storage device being adapted to retain a portable electric appliance.

Various other features and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, an embodiment for practicing the invention. The embodiment will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like parts:

FIG. 1 is a front, right side perspective view of a faceplate and storage device constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the faceplate being shown mounted over a dual outlet electrical receptacle, the storage device being shown holding a rechargeable appliance, the rechargeable appliance being shown in electrical connection with an outlet of the receptacle by means of a charger cord;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the faceplate and storage device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front, right side perspective view of the storage device of the present invention shown with a faceplate in place;

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the faceplate shown in FIG. 1, with the wall sectioned to show the connection of the electrical box to a wall or panel;

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a front view of another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a faceplate and storage device constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, said faceplate being identified by reference numeral 11 and said storage device being identified by reference numeral 13.

Storage device 13 normally is held in place by its lower or rear panel 14 being between faceplate 11 and a wall or like surface. Storage device 13 may be held in place by other known means and potentially may be removably coupled to faceplate 11. However, it is to be understood that faceplate 11 and storage device 13 need not be limited to any particular holding means or coupled relationship. If desired, faceplate 11 and storage device 13 could be manufactured as a unitary member without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

As seen most clearly in FIG. 2, faceplate 11 is a unitary device which is preferably constructed of a rigid, durable and inexpensive material, such as molded plastic. Faceplate 11 generally is a cover and can have a flange integrally formed around its periphery.

Faceplate 11 is shown herein as being in the form of a conventional cover plate which can be mounted over an electrical device 21, electrical device 21 being represented in FIG. 4 as being in the form of a conventional receptacle which includes a pair of electrical outlets 23. Although faceplate 11 is shown herein as being of the type which can be mounted over a dual outlet receptacle, it is to be understood that faceplate 11 represents any conventional cover plate which is well-known in the art. As a result, the faceplate 11 could be modified to be of the type which can be mounted over other types of electrical devices without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the faceplate 11 illustrated in FIG. 6 will be mounted over a single outlet receptacle.

Faceplate 11 is generally rectangular and flat in shape and comprises a substantially flat front face, a rear face, a top edge, a bottom edge, a right side edge and a left side edge, although it is foreseen that the faceplate 11 could take additional non-rectangular shapes as desired by the user. Preferably, flat front surface is convexly rounded along its outer periphery and gradually tapers into edges for aesthetic purposes. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, faceplate 11 is additionally shaped to define a pair of vertically disposed openings 37, each opening 37 being sized and shaped to fittingly receive an associated outlet 23 therethrough. Furthermore, faceplate 11 is shaped to define a small circular countersunk hole 39 between openings 37. Hole 39 is sized and shaped to receive a screw 41. In this manner, screw 41 can be inserted through hole 39 and into a threaded bore formed in electrical device 21 between outlets 23 so as to secure faceplate 11 in position over electrical device 21.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the storage device 13 is also a unitary device which is preferably constructed of a rigid, durable and inexpensive material, such as molded plastic. The storage device 13 includes a rear panel 14 integrally connected with an appliance holder 12. The appliance holder 12 includes a bottom or support panel 15 and an integrally connected front panel 16 opposite the rear panel 14. When the storage device 13 is mounted onto a wall or other surface using the faceplate 11, the appliance holder 12 will form a pocket with the wall that is sized and shaped to assist in retaining a portable, rechargeable, electronic appliance 75 on the supporting panel 15 of the appliance holder 12 between the front panel 16 and the wall. In this manner, electronic appliance 75 can be safely retained within holder 12 while being recharged by electrical outlet or receptacle 23 via a charger cord 77. The cord 77 may extend from the outlet 23 into electrical connection with appliance 75 through a cavity 57 or aperture that traverses the support panel 15. By allowing the cord 77 to pass through the support panel 15, a clean and direction connection is provided between the appliance 75 with the electrical receptacle 23, as discussed in more detail below.

Electronic appliance 75 is represented in FIG. 1 as a portable, rechargeable cellular phone. However, it is to be understood that electronic appliance 75 is not limited to being in the form of a portable, rechargeable cellular phone. Rather, electronic appliance 75 represents any portable, rechargeable electronic appliance which is well-known in the art. For example, electronic appliance 75 could represent, among other things, an electric shaver, a flashlight, a personal data assistant (PDA), a tape recorder or the like appliance without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

It should be noted that the means for coupling storage device 13 to faceplate 11 is not limited to the interrelationship as described herein. Rather, it is to be understood that any conventional fastening means for releasably holding two or more objects together may be used.

In use, the combination faceplate 11 and storage device 13 can be used in the following manner. Specifically, faceplate 11 is adapted to be readily mounted onto a wall, or other similar surface, over electrical device 21. With faceplate 11 mounted over electrical device 21, electrical outlets 23 are sized and shaped to fittingly protrude through openings 37 so as to provide access to device 21. With faceplate 11 properly mounted over electrical device 21, with lower or rear panel 14 of device 13 between faceplate 11 and electrical device 21, screw 41 can be disposed through opening 39 in faceplate 11 and into threaded engagement with a bore formed in device 21 to secure faceplate 11 and storage device 13 in place over device 21.

When electrical device 21 is to be used to provide power to recharge an electronic appliance 75, storage device 13 is mounted behind faceplate 11 (between the faceplate 11 and wall) in the manner described above. With storage device 13 so mounted, a plug 78, which is formed onto a first end of charger cord 77, is inserted into an outlet 23 of the electrical device 21. The second end of charger cord 77 may then traverse the cavity 57 to be then plugged into a corresponding receptacle in the electronic appliance 75 to be charged. Charger cord 77 serves to electrically connect the recharging circuit for appliance 75 to outlet 23.

A pair of optimal protrusions 17 or similar flange may extend from one of the outer edges of the rear panel 14 of storage device 13. The optimal protrusions 17 provide the user with a place to wind the charger cord 77 to remove excess cord between the connection with the appliance 75 and the plug 78 connection at the receptacle 23. This provides a more appealing aesthetic appearance and eliminates problems associated with the unbound excess cord 77.

While recharging, appliance 75 can be retained within holder 12 between front panel 16 of storage device 13 and a wall or the like within which an electrical box is attached and houses electrical device 21. In this manner, appliance 75 is less susceptible to damage which could be caused by placing appliance 75 on a nearby surface, such as a table or countertop.

Once appliance 75 has completed recharging, charger cord 77 can be removed from storage device 13 and used as desired. Furthermore, if deemed necessary, the consumer can remove storage device 13 from faceplate 11, storage device 13 capable of being stored in an alternate location until further recharging is required.

The embodiment shown in the present invention is intended to be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art shall be able to make numerous variations and modifications to it without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. 

1. An electrical apparatus retainer unit comprising a storage device held in place by a faceplate, said faceplate being sized and shaped to at least partially cover an electrical receptacle having one or more outlets; said storage device being sized and shaped to retain a portable electronic appliance, said storage device comprising a front panel, a rear panel, and a bottom panel which front panel together with a surface to which the receptacle is attached for retaining the electrical apparatus define an interior pocket for retaining the electrical apparatus and wherein the retainer unit rear panel is fixedly attached to and extends below the retainer unit bottom panel.
 2. The retainer unit of claim 1 wherein the storage device is releasably held in place between the faceplate and the outlet.
 3. The retainer unit of claim 1 having protrusions extending from the rear panel to retain an electrical apparatus electrical cord.
 4. The retainer unit of claim 1 further comprising a cavity traversing said bottom panel.
 5. A retainer unit for use with an electrical outlet face plate attachable to a surface in supporting an electronic appliance connected to an electrical receptacle via an electrical cord, said retainer unit comprising: a rear panel having a perimeter substantially complimentary with the face plate, the faceplate supporting rear panel when covering the electrical receptacle; a storage device connected to said rear panel, said storage device including a support panel extending from said rear panel and a front panel connected to said support panel and substantially parallel to said rear panel; and a cavity traversing said support panel to allow the electrical cord to pass through said support panel to connect the electrical apparatus with the receptacle.
 6. The retainer unit as described in claim 5, said rear panel having a substantially rectangular perimeter with a top edge, a bottom edge and two opposing side edges connecting said top edge with said bottom edge.
 7. The retainer unit as described in claim 6, further comprising a pair of protrusions extending from one of said side edges to support the electrical cord.
 8. A retainer unit for use in supporting an electronic appliance connected via an electrical cord to an electrical receptacle on a wall, said retainer unit comprising: a faceplate to engage the electrical outlet, said faceplate including a rear panel; a substantially L-shaped storage device cantilevered from said rear panel of said face plate to support the electronic appliance; and an aperture traversing said storage device to allow the electrical cord to pass through said L-shaped storage device to connect the electronic appliance with the electrical outlet.
 9. The retainer unit as described in claim 8, wherein said storage device comprises: a support panel connected to said rear panel, said aperture traversing said support panel; and a front panel connected said support panel, said front panel being substantially parallel to said rear panel, wherein when said retainer unit is connected to the wall, said front panel, said support panel and the wall form a pocket to hold the electronic appliance.
 10. The retainer unit as described in claim 8, said rear panel having a substantially rectangular perimeter with a top edge, a bottom edge and two opposing side edges connecting said top edge with said bottom edge.
 11. The retainer unit as described in claim 10, further comprising at least one flange extending from one of said side edges to support the electrical cord. 